Ugandan Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has sought a private audience with His Holiness Pope Francis.
This move comes amidst escalating sanctions by Western countries mounting pressure on the Speaker with seemingly nowhere else to turn
The request for a private audience was confirmed by Ambassador Stephen Mubiru, Head of Uganda’s Mission in Vatican , in a letter addressed to the Clerk of Parliament, dated 27th May 2024.
According to the letter, His Holiness Pope Francis has granted the Speaker a meeting on Saturday morning, the 24th of August 2024.
“In reference to your letter reference AP7/459/01 dated March 5 2024 on the above captioned. His Holiness Pope Francis has granted a Private Audience to the Rt. Hon. Speaker. Anita Among on Saturday morning the 24th of August 2024.
You are requested to send to this Mission the following before I5th July 2024,” Ambassador Mubiru informed the Clerk.
“Address in Rome where the Rt. Hon. Speaker will be residing including a list of the accompanying delegation to the Papal Audience (maximum 3 people).
Personnel and their equipment for purposes of Media accreditation. As per Vatican Protocol the Rt Hon. Speaker will be received by His Eminence Pietro Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State to His holiness immediately after the Papal audience,” the letter reads in part.
The visit follows a series of high-profile allegations of corruption against the Speaker by both United Kingdom and American government which have since resulted into sanctions.
Her husband Hon Moses Magogo who doubles as Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) president has also been affected by the sanctions.
The UK government informed President Yoweri Museveni that Ms Among owns properties in London, an allegation she has vehemently denied stating that her woes stem from her charisma to champion the signing of anti-gay law to protect the moral fabric of Uganda and Africa as a whole.
According to political observers, her decision to seek an audience with Pope Francis underscores the gravity of the situation and the Speaker’s desire to find a diplomatic resolution to the mounting crisis.
While details of the agenda for the papal audience remain undisclosed, it is anticipated that the Speaker will address the allegations against her and seek the Pope’s counsel on navigating the challenging environment.
In response to the Speaker’s move, there has been mixed reactions within Uganda, with some viewing it as a desperate attempt to evade accountability, while others see it as a strategic diplomatic maneuver to garner international support and legitimacy.
